I Am Going to Drop the Tank...

[rs899]

...on my Mk2 Jetta.  I am getting water in the fuel from somewhere, either it was already in there, or I got a bad batch or something plastic is broken or leaking up in the filler area (cause it's wet up there).  I gather it's fairly straightforward ( unlike on the pickup or Mk 1s I have done).

Anyone done it?  Any tips?

[nathan_b]

Yeah, its super easy. just make sure to drain it so it doesnt weigh a ton. Also delete the check valve while you are in the fuel outlet area. it can clog and cause headache, plus its pointless. It's on the return side..

[rs899]

it can clog and cause headache, plus its pointless.

I'm all for it- I already by passed the water separator ( oh... I wonder if I should have left that now   )

please tell me why it's pointless etc...

[nathan_b]

Because fuel backflowing from the return line is not an issue. It is to prevent people from hooking up the lines backwards ONLY>

You can substitute in your brain for a potential problem

[rs899]

Well, I did it and I am glad I did.  I was getting water and dirt in from the check valve which had become dislodged in its holder.  It's a poor design- very easy to get dirt in there and to top it off the right rear tire unloads a stream of dirt and water on the filler neck area.  Mine was completed encased in dirt and diesel. 
  I cleaned everything out and used some Quad polymer sealer on the outside areas of the valve, then constructed a dirt shield out of a piece of aluminum that will keep the valve and filler neck area out of the line of fire.

If you are having fuel issues with your Mk2, this is worth looking at.

[nathan_b]

good to hear!